Words said in Love

Stop judging.

1 [a]“Stop judging,[b] that you may not be judged. 2 For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you. 3 Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove that splinter from your eye,’ while the wooden beam is in your eye? 5 You hypocrite,[c] remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye.-Matthew7:1-5

Is it really difficult to be quiet and just refrain oneself from passing judgment? Nowadays, people demand the freedom to express. However, freedom to express does not necessarily mean being harsh, rude and ruthless in speech. I do not agree that harsh, rude and ruthless speech (or bashing to some) is freedom of speech because real freedom is knowing what to say, how to say it, and saying it with love and respect. It is not an impediment or a hindrance but as a way of exercising responsibly that freedom. I do not agree that freedom of speech is all about what we say only, rather, it has something to do also with the effect it will cause others.

One day I was dining with some friends, and one of us happened to be the cook. One friend said out loud that the food is bland. I shushed her and said that we are only eating, we did not cook, we ought to be thankful for the effort of our other friend to cook, and that the food is still a blessing. But my friend said, "Why? Can't I express an opinion?" I said, "Of course, you can. But you do it while considering the feelings of the other person who exerted effort for us." Yes, there is, I think, a thin line between expressing an opinion and judging others. For me, whether it is sharing an opinion, voicing out one's self, fraternal correction, etc., it should be done with love, respect and concern.

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The right thing

Believe

44 Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me believes not only in me but also in the one who sent me, 45 and whoever sees me sees the one who sent me. 46 I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness. 47 And if anyone hears my words and does not observe them, I do not condemn him, for I did not come to condemn the world but to save the world. 48 Whoever rejects me and does not accept my words has something to judge him: the word that I spoke, it will condemn him on the last day, 49 because I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and speak. 50 And I know that his commandment is eternal life. So what I say, I say as the Father told me.”-John12:44-50

Jesus is inviting us all to believe Him. Jesus is so full of love that He does not condemn nor judge. It will be our very own actions, our very heart, that will judge us. True that sometimes we are victims of injustice. Jesus knows how to make it right. But most of the time, we invite injustice and condemnation into our very own lives through our decisions. Why cry over imprisonment if indeed we committed a criminal act? Everything is grace. Jesus knows how to make things right.

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An Endless River

There is no fear in a life of Godliness, goodness and righteousness. There is no fear in Love.

16 For God so loved the world that he gave[a] his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn[b] the world, but that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 [c]And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. 21 But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.-John3:16-21

As I read the Gospel reading, I remember Judas Iscariot and Peter. Because of Judas' betrayal, he fell into extreme guilt and possibly believed that he would never be forgiven no matter what. Perhaps he really blamed himself as he witnessed the brutality done to Jesus. Peter, a good friend of Jesus, denied Him before the cock crowed. Talk about dying with Jesus! Perhaps Peter also felt guilt for adding misery to Jesus by deserting and denying his master at the time that He needed His 'Rock' the most. Their stories are somewhat the same to me because each turned away from Jesus. The difference is, Peter believed that he would be forgiven and be shown mercy, whereas Judas despaired and believed that he would be condemned for all eternity. For me, Judas condemned and judged himself, and refused to believe in Jesus' mercy.

We are sometimes slaves of our imaginary fears. Sometimes we don't believe in second chances. Sometimes we think, 'I failed once, I'll fail again' or 'I was hurt once, I will never love again.' But Jesus is a river of overflowing love, mercy, compassion and forgiveness. 'Come to the water, you who are thirsty,' He says (as in Is55:1). No matter how much or how little we drink, Jesus' water never runs dry and never fails to comfort. We need not be afraid to try and try again. We need not be afraid to love again, to start again, to stand again. For every adventure, Jesus will always be there to accompany and help us. Though we stumble, we will never fall because He is there for us.

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The Pilates of the World

It is done.

... [s]Then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged. 2 And the soldiers wove a crown out of thorns and placed it on his head, and clothed him in a purple cloak, 3 and they came to him and said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck him repeatedly. 4 Once more Pilate went out and said to them, “Look, I am bringing him out to you, so that you may know that I find no guilt in him.” 5 So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple cloak. And he said to them, “Behold, the man!” 6 When the chief priests and the guards saw him they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him. I find no guilt in him.” 7 [t]The Jews answered, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.” 8 Now when Pilate heard this statement, he became even more afraid, 9 and went back into the praetorium and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” Jesus did not answer him. 10 So Pilate said to him, “Do you not speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you and I have power to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered [him], “You would have no power over me if it had not been given to you from above. For this reason the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin.” 12 Consequently, Pilate tried to release him; but the Jews cried out, “If you release him, you are not a Friend of Caesar.[u] Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.”
13 When Pilate heard these words he brought Jesus out and seated him[v] on the judge’s bench in the place called Stone Pavement, in Hebrew, Gabbatha. 14 It was preparation day for Passover, and it was about noon.[w] And he said to the Jews, “Behold, your king!” 15 They cried out, “Take him away, take him away! Crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your king?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” 16 Then he handed him over to them to be crucified.[x] ...
23 [aa]When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four shares, a share for each soldier. They also took his tunic, but the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top down. 24 So they said to one another, “Let’s not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it will be,” in order that the passage of scripture might be fulfilled [that says]:
“They divided my garments among them,
and for my vesture they cast lots.”
... 28 After this, aware that everything was now finished, in order that the scripture might be fulfilled,[ad] Jesus said, “I thirst.” 29 There was a vessel filled with common wine.[ae] So they put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop and put it up to his mouth. 30 [af]When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, “It is finished.” And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.
... 40 They took the body of Jesus and bound it with burial cloths along with the spices, according to the Jewish burial custom. 41 Now in the place where he had been crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had yet been buried. 42 So they laid Jesus there because of the Jewish preparation day; for the tomb was close by.-John18-19:42

As I read and listened to the Passion of Jesus, I was struck also by the person of Pontius Pilate. A powerful man, yet he did not exercise his real authority, feared his subjects (though he can pulverize Jerusalem easily at that time), and would rather send an innocent man to a shameful death when pressured. I cannot help but remember the many Pilates in our world. Men and women who would rather put the blame to others; made faulty decisions when pressured; would not stand to what is right and true if confronted by so many. Jesus, in His great love for us, also died for the Pilates of our world. Perhaps we are like Pilate too at certain points in our life. But Jesus is here and has saved us. Jesus died and rose again so that we can share everlasting life with Him as well, so that there is always hope for us, so that we will 'resurrect' daily with Him as we continue our earthly existence, and so that we are perpetually washed clean of our sins.

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The Role to Play

We all have a role to play, a purpose in life.

14 Then one of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot,[a] went to the chief priests 15 [b]and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver, 16 and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over.17 On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread,[c] the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?” 18 [d]He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The teacher says, “My appointed time draws near; in your house I shall celebrate the Passover with my disciples.”’” 19 The disciples then did as Jesus had ordered, and prepared the Passover.20 When it was evening, he reclined at table with the Twelve. 21 And while they were eating, he said, “Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”[e] 22 Deeply distressed at this, they began to say to him one after another, “Surely it is not I, Lord?” 23 He said in reply, “He who has dipped his hand into the dish with me is the one who will betray me. 24 [f]The Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born.” 25 [g]Then Judas, his betrayer, said in reply, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” He answered, “You have said so.”

Every story has a villain, a hero, a climax, a turning point, a beginning, an end, a twist, etc. In our present reality, we do not want to be the 'Judas Iscariot' of the group. As I read the gospel reading, I cannot help but wonder if Judas' role is really the villain through and through. After all even Jesus said, "... but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born." Is Judas meant to be doomed even before his birth, then? It is true that Jesus is Love and He is an overflowing river of mercy, compassion and forgiveness. Surely, there is room for forgiveness for Judas. However, because of despair, lacking in trust and faith, and guilt, Judas opted to kill himself rather than face Jesus. Perhaps Judas was afraid that he will not be forgiven. But then again, isn't it true that Jesus never condemns, never judges, always forgives, heals and gives many chances? If there is an alternative ending for Judas, I would like that he did not kill himself. I would have wanted that he asked for forgiveness, mercy and compassion, and that Jesus gave it to Him. His story will definitely be very remarkable, if it is the case. A perfect story for those who are wondering if there is forgiveness for those who sincerely ask for one despite one's sinfulness. The choice is ours if we want to take the road to destruction or the road to redemption. Jesus does not condemn. Despite knowing the plan of Judas, never did Jesus say in the group that the former is plotting evil against Him. This is a proof that Jesus continues to knock in all our hearts, and will never condemn. What will our choice be?

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Children of Light

"For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed."

14 And just as Moses lifted up[a] the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 [b]so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”16 For God so loved the world that he gave[c] his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn[d] the world, but that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 [e]And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. 21 But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.-John3:14-21

Those who engage themselves in embezzlement of funds would do it in secret or behind closed doors. The men who enter into extra-marital affairs would do it in secret or in faraway places where they are not known at all. Even cheating during exams are done in secret or in a furtive way. Aren't we tired of secrets? Aren't we tired of constantly looking behind our backs? Aren't we tired of fear of being discovered? Aren't we tired of hiding? Aren't we tired of always explaining? Aren't we tired of lies? Aren't we tired of the heaviness in our hearts because we are guilty? Jesus does not condemn but He is inviting us to step into the light. Our actions may say we are evil or wicked, but the Light - that is Jesus - can purify us and make us brand new and whole once more. Jesus is full of mercy and compassion; He will wash us clean and free of the stains of sins. It is never too late to change and repent. Jesus is inviting us to be children of Light today! Now, let us put on the New Skin - the armor of Jesus.

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As simple as that

Well said.

36 Be merciful, just as [also] your Father is merciful.37 “Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. 38 Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.”-Luke6:36-38

This teaching of Jesus is very appropriate in our time. Now, there is much emphasis on Freedom of Expression or Freedom of Speech. And some want that it is limitless - that is, anybody can say anything even if it is discriminating, biased, prejudiced, hurtful, rude, stupid or puts others to shame. Some say there could never be discrimination in freedom of speech since it is free after all. Really? If we cannot write or say something aimed at a certain group, then the freedom of speech is reduced. Really? It is sometimes easy for journalists, artists or writers to make up something aimed on certain people or nations because they are not in the center stage. They hide behind their pens, their pencils, their typewriters or computers. But once their 'work' had a different consequence, here they are, crying about the loss or reduction of their freedom to express, they cry of abuse. Some people like to bash or bully online since they can hide behind made-up pseudonyms, and claim it as freedom of expression. But they do not want to be victims themselves. And if there is a reversal of fortune, and they are the victims of cyber bashing, here they cry of cyber bullying or cyber abuses. Jesus said it well in today's Gospel reading. If we want peace and love, let us sow seeds of peace and love even if others do not want to. Yes, we can make a point, express, write or say anything but we must always be ready to face its consequences. Good words, thoughts and actions attract positive and good things in life. Bad words, thoughts and actions attract negative and bad things in life. As simple as that.

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The Leaven

Watch out!

14 They had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. 15 [a]He enjoined them, “Watch out, guard against the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” 16 They concluded among themselves that it was because they had no bread. 17 When he became aware of this he said to them, “Why do you conclude that it is because you have no bread? Do you not yet understand or comprehend? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Do you have eyes and not see, ears and not hear? And do you not remember, 19 when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many wicker baskets full of fragments you picked up?” They answered him, “Twelve.” 20 “When I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many full baskets of fragments did you pick up?” They answered [him], “Seven.” 21 He said to them, “Do you still not understand?”-Mark8:14-21

What is the leaven of the Pharisees? What is the leaven of Herod? The leaven of the Pharisees are the ways that one should not imitate. Herod represents the world, and so the leaven of Herod are the worldly ways that one should not imitate. The Pharisees are not bad individuals, perhaps, they lack a few virtues to put it mildly. Herod, despite his wickedness, perhaps has a little ounce of goodness in him. Some of the leaven or the ways of the Pharisees that we should watch out for are: hypocrisy, condemning or judging others, separating ourselves from those who are not our "equal," stubbornness of heart which powers narrow-mindedness. While some of the leaven or the ways of Herod that we should watch out for are: injustice, immorality, greed for temporal goods (wealth, power, ambition and fame), disregard for holiness. The leaven of the Pharisees and Herod can be summarized into a few words only - absence or lack of love. Jesus is constantly inviting us to return to Him by shedding away the old self, and putting on the cloak of His love.

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